As two foodies who love to travel, we're always on the lookout for the best places to eat and drink. Recently, we found ourselves in Raleigh, North Carolina, and were quickly reminded how incredible its culinary scene is. For a short season in our lives, Raleigh was home. It's where we lived when we were dating and got engaged, so the City of Oaks holds a special place in our hearts.
The food scene in Raleigh holds a little something for everyone, whether you're seeking a cozy coffee shop, a trendy bar or craft brewery, or a delicious breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. In this post, we'll be sharing our top recommendations for Raleigh's best coffee shops, bars and breweries, breakfast and brunch spots, and lunch and dinner places. We hope you'll get a chance to explore some of these fantastic destinations on your next visit to Raleigh!
There's nothing quite like starting your day with a hot cup of coffee and a pastry. Here are our top recommendations for coffee shops in Raleigh:
Benelux Coffee is a wonderful coffee shop in Raleigh, NC that's perfect for savoring a delicious cup of joe or enjoying a tasty pastry. This cozy coffee shop is located just minutes from downtown Raleigh and very close to NC State University. It serves up some of the best coffee in the city, but why it stands out as unique to us is because of their famous waffles.
Getting there: 402 Oberlin Rd #118, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
This lively coffee shop is a popular spot in Raleigh known for its impressive espresso and flavorful drip coffee. They have a lovely outdoor seating area and serve up delicious breakfast sandwiches too.
Getting there: 7705 Lead Mine Rd, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
With two locations in Raleigh, Jubala Coffee offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere for coffee lovers. Personally we prefer their Hillsborough location We recommend trying their signature nitro cold brew for a refreshing start to your day.
Getting there: 2100 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
Not only does Yellow Dog Bread Company have fantastic coffee, but they also offer a wide selection of delicious baked goods. Their warm croissants are one of our favorite treats in Raleigh! When we lived in Raleigh our usual Saturday morning routine consisted of a run followed by swinging by Yellow Dog to grab a pastry and coffee.
Getting there: 219 E Franklin St, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
This charming coffee spot has a sleek and modern design in downtown Cary. But what's even better is their exceptional coffee and creative seasonal drinks. This is our favorite spot to grab coffee when out in Cary instead of in Raleigh.
Getting there: 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC | Google Maps
Raleigh has plenty of fantastic options for breakfast and brunch, whether you're craving something sweet or savory. The south knows how to do good food, especially breakfast! Here are some of our top picks:
Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, this cozy restaurant offers a wide selection of classic favorites as well as creative dishes with a Southern twist. Start your morning off right with Big Ed’s famous biscuits served with sausage gravy or one of their signature omelets topped with bacon and cheddar cheese. If you're looking for something sweet, try their homemade French toast or hot cakes drizzled in syrup.
Getting there: 220 Wolfe St, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
This is a place we haven't been to before but feel like we can highly recommend based on 1) their incredible Google reviews, and 2) their mission. A Place at the Table is a pay what you can cafe that is more concerned with welcoming into their restaurant and having people leave full and satisfied than making a massive profit off its patrons. We'll definitely be visiting this one next time we're back in Raleigh!
Getting there: 300 W Hargett St #50, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
Located inside Raleigh's Transfer Co. Food Hall, Benchwarmers Bagels is a great breakfast on the run. Their homemade bagels served plain, with cream cheese, or as a sandwich are delicious comfort food to kick your day of right.
Note: Closed on Mondays
Getting there: 500 E Davie St STE 107, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
This trendy coffee shop has a fantastic breakfast menu with plenty of delicious options. We love grabbing breakfast and a coffee and sitting at one of their shaded sidewalk tables on a warm southern day.
Getting there: 10 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
Raleigh has no shortage of fantastic lunch and dinner spots to choose from. From date night to family dinners, there's something on this list for every diner and group. Here are some of our favorites:
This popular restaurant serves up some of the best chicken and waffles in the south. Their fried chicken is incredibly crispy and flavorful and their waffles are the right amount of fluffy with their perfectly sweet syrup. This is one of Raleigh's most popular restaurants and for a good reason! Keep in mind that while Beasley's most popular dish is waffles, this is not a breakfast place. They open daily at 11:30 am.
Getting there: 237 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
This upscale diner is a local favorite for its creative take on Southern cuisine. We recommend trying their famous macaroni and cheese and a fun cocktail crafted by one of their talented bartenders. Poole's is the perfect fun date night, especially if you're planning to catch a show at the Red Hat Amphitheater right next door.
Getting there: 426 S McDowell St, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
This modern Asian restaurant also has a brewery and flower shop attached. The menu changes seasonally, but we love their seafood dumplings and pork bao. The restaurant is a beautiful space with a classy and clean look about it without being stuffy. This is the perfect place for a fun date night out in Raleigh!
Getting there: 218 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
Sitti is a modern Lebanese restaurant located in the heart of downtown Raleigh. It offers a delicious menu filled with traditional Middle-Eastern dishes such as hummus, falafel, kabobs, and more. The restaurant also has an extensive selection of wines and craft cocktails to pair perfectly with your dinner.
Getting there: 137 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
Bida Manda is an essential stop for anyone looking for fantastic Laotian food. We recommend trying their crispy rice salad and noodle dishes. It's hard to find Laotian food in the USA, so not only does that make Bida Manda standout, but their savory and flavorful dishes set them apart. Definitely a must visit for those looking for a truly unique dining experience!
Getting there: 222 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
Angus Barn is a classic steakhouse located in Raleigh, NC. The restaurant has been open since 1960 and specializes in the finest aged steaks and other classic steakhouse staples. Angus Barn also features an extensive wine list (one of the largest in the state of North Carolina!), exquisite desserts, and private dining rooms for special occasions.
Getting there: 9401 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
This Italian restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and a drool-worthy pasta menu. We recommend trying their stuffed pasta with ricotta and spinach. If you're looking for a good Italian restaurant in Raleigh, this is it!
Getting there: 135 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
Morgan Street Food Hall in Raleigh, North Carolina is a vibrant and eclectic food hall filled with an array of delicious cuisine options. It offers guests the opportunity to sample a variety of cuisines such as Italian, Mexican, BBQ, poké, seafood, and more without ever leaving the hall. The atmosphere is lively and laid-back, with plenty of seating for everyone (and it's kid friendly!).
Getting there: 411 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
I debated whether or not I should include Heirloom in the breakfast or lunch section, but ultimately decided lunch was best because that's when I most enjoy stopping in at Heirloom. This beautiful cafe serving coffee, teas, and a small selection of food is the perfect place to grab lunch and an afternoon pick me up. Its food and drinks are a combination Laotian, Japanese, and Taiwanese, all of which are delicious and fun to enjoy in their beautiful, bright, aesthetic space.
Getting there: 219 S West St, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
This iconic BBQ joint has been open since 1938 and serves up some of the best NC-style barbecue around. Their hush puppies and vinegar-based sauce are must-tries. If you find yourself in Raleigh and have never had NC-style BBQ, this is your place!
Getting there: 327 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
Crawford and Son is a unique restaurant located in Raleigh, North Carolina that specializes in New American cuisine. They offer an ever-changing menu, with daily specials crafted by their talented chefs using only the freshest local ingredients. This upscale yet cozy spot is perfect for a special occasion, date night or dinner with friends!
Getting there: 618 N Person St, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
This vegetarian restaurant has a creative menu that will appeal to meat-eaters and vegans alike. We love their Chick'n & Waffles and mushroom risotto. While we're not vegetarians or vegans, we can recommend this place for its flavorful dishes and popularity amongst just about everyone in Raleigh!
Getting there: 428 S Dawson St, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
This trendy Mexican restaurant has a lively atmosphere and a menu of creative tacos, nachos, and quesadillas. We recommend trying their Chile Shrimp & Grits or Chilaquiles! No matter what you choose, the fun southern twists on the classic Mexican dishes will be delicious!
Getting there: 106 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
Death and Taxes in Raleigh, NC is a modern American restaurant located in the heart of downtown. Their ever-changing menu offers a unique blend of classic flavors from around the world, all crafted from locally sourced ingredients. With an atmosphere that is both cozy and upscale, Death and Taxes is the perfect spot for a special occasion or romantic date night.
Getting there: 105 W Hargett St, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
Raleigh has a booming beer scene, with plenty of bars and breweries to choose from. If nightlife is your thing, there's plenty of places to visit. Or if you're more into the family-friendly kind of brewery scene, there are plenty of those, too! Here are some of our favorites:
Raleigh Brewing Company has become a staple in the city. It brewed its first beer in 2013 and it has only grown from there! This brewery has a spacious taproom that makes for a great hangout spot with friends. We love their House of Clay IPA and seasonal brews.
Getting there: 3709 Neil St, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
This iconic downtown bar has a lively atmosphere and an impressive selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. We recommend trying one of their famous Moscow mules or margaritas and be sure to grab a bite to eat, too! This is one of our favorite spots to grab a drink with friends when we're in Raleigh.
Getting there: 14 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
This cozy beer bar is located in the Warehouse District and has a rotating beer selection from North Carolina and beyond. They also serve up delicious snacks like charcuterie boards and soft pretzels. State of Beer is owned by Trophy Brewing but a different feel about. We recommend both, but State of Beer is a good change of pace if you want to try those Trophy classics along with some other brewed favorites.
Getting there: 401 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
If you're a fan of craft beer and bicycles, Crank Arm Brewing Company is a must-visit. Their brewery has a relaxed, casual atmosphere with games and fun events like trivia nights.
Getting there: 319 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
With two locations in Raleigh, Trophy Brewing Company is an essential stop for beer lovers. They have a wide variety of beer styles, including IPAs, lagers, and sours, and their pizza is delicious too.
Getting there: 827 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
This brewery is the perfect brewery to hit up if you're just as interested in a good meal as you are the beer itself. Neuse River is also a brasserie so you'll find plenty of small and large plate options as well as weekend brunch and desserts.
Getting there: 518 Pershing Rd, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
This neighborhood brewery is the perfect place for groups to hangout. With plenty of both indoor and outdoor seating combined with their signature brews, this place is the perfect place in Raleigh to hangout with friends.
Getting there: 1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
Videri Chocolate Factory in Raleigh, NC is an absolute must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. Their chocolates are handcrafted and made from scratch using only organic, responsibly sourced cocoa beans and they never use any popular allergens. Grab a few bonbons or a chocolate bar to go. Whether you're looking for something to satisfy your sweet cravings or just want to take home some delicious souvenirs for friends and family back home - Videri Chocolate Factory should definitely be on your list!
Getting there: 327 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
Two Roosters Ice Cream is a must-try for ice cream lovers in Raleigh, NC. This small-batch craft ice cream shop creates creative and delicious flavors, like Blackberry Hibiscus, Sea Salt Chip Cookie Dough, and Strawberry Honey. Make sure to get there early because the lines can get quite long due to its popularity!
Getting there: 215 E Franklin St #120, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
Lucette Grace in Raleigh, NC is a delightful patisserie featuring classic French pastries like macarons, meringues, and éclairs. All of their decadent desserts are a heavenly treat for the taste buds! The atmosphere of Lucette Grace adds to the experience making it a fun stop when visiting downtown Raleigh.
Getting there: 235 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
Goodberry's in Raleigh, NC is a beloved frozen custard shop that has been serving up delicious desserts since 2005. They offer a wide variety of ice cream flavors like Mango Tango and Mint Choco Chip, as well as sundaes and shakes. Their signature treat is the refreshingly creamy "concrete." They have flavors/combos of the day, or you can create your own from their different flavors and add-ins.
Note: There are several locations in town, but the one that's closest to downtown Raleigh is the one at Cameron Village.
Getting there: 2042 Clark Ave, Raleigh, NC | Google Maps
Raleigh, North Carolina, may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of culinary destinations, but we hope this post has shown you just how much the city has to offer. Whether you're a coffee lover, beer enthusiast, or foodie of any kind, there's something for everyone in Raleigh. From cozy coffee shops to trendy bars and breweries to fantastic breakfast, lunch, and dinner spots, we've shared our top recommendations for the best places to eat and drink in Raleigh. We hope you get a chance to indulge in some of these fantastic destinations on your next visit to North Carolina!
